Review & Outlook

Blue chips slipped from early highs on profit-taking interest Tuesday, following the previous day's strong 1.5% rally to a near four-year high as the market paused for profit-taking breather due to short-term overbought conditions. The FBM KLCI slid 5.93 points to close at 1,642.77, off an early low of 1,637.45 and high of 1,660.29, as losers beat gainers 857 to 357 on higher turnover of 4.2bn shares worth RM4.55bn.

Stocks should extend profit-taking consolidation, as investors assess key central bank decisions from regional power houses and anticipate the keenly awaited US Fed Chief's statement at Jackson Hole. Immediate index resistance remains at yesterday's high of 1,660, followed by 1,680 and then 1,695, the Dec 2020 high, while immediate supports are at 1,620, then 1,600 and 1,580 as stronger supports.

Hartalega will need strong breakout momentum above the 100-day ma (RM3.08) to fuel further upside towards the 123.6%FP (RM3.44) and 138.2%FP (RM3.68) ahead, while key retracement support below from the 61.8%FR (RM2.42) limits downside risk. Likewise, Kossan needs confirmed breakout above the 100-day ma (RM2.23) to enhance upside momentum towards the 123.6%FP (RM2.44) and 138.2%FP (RM2.59) going forward, with the 50%FR (RM1.68) seen to cushion downside.

News Bites

• Tenaga Nasional Bhd has received a new tax bill totalling RM1.4bn from the Inland Revenue Board that covers 2020 (amounting to RM685.8mn) and 2021 (amounting to RM705.2mn).

• Solarvest Holdings Bhd has formed a joint venture with Agmo Holdings Bhd to co-develop digital applications for the clean energy sector.

• Uzma Bhd had signed a pact with Taiwan's Terawatt Ltd to explore development of products or projects in energy storage and renewable energy.

• Cape EMS Bhd reported yesterday that the Employees Provident Fund has disposed of 6mn shares in the company, reducing its shareholding in the company to 4.4% from 5.0% previously.

• Jati Tinggi Group Bhd has accepted a letter of award from Worktime Engineering Sdn Bhd to perform sub-contract works to lay 33 kilovolts of aluminium XLPE underground cables and accessories in Selangor, worth RM41.1mn.

• MCE Holdings Bhd had secured contracts from Proton Holdings Bhd worth RM52.1mn to supply automotive electronic and mechatronic components.

• Willowglen MSC Bhd has been awarded a contract valued equivalent to approximately RM42.8mn by the Ministry of Education, Singapore for the design, supply and installation of security systems.

• South Malaysia Industries Bhd has received a takeover offer worth more than RM47.0mn from a group of major shareholders.

• Impiana Selo Tioman Resorts Sdn Bhd, a 75%-owned unit of Magma Group Bhd, is being sued by 2 individuals over an alleged breach of a sale and purchase agreement relating to 5 parcels of land in Tioman, Pahang.

• Sentoria Group Bhd, which is currently embroiled in a dispute with its former chief executive officer Datuk Loh Yuen Tuck, has denied his claim of constructive dismissal.

• Petronas Gas Bhd has reappointed Datuk Adif Zulkifli as its nonindependent, non-executive chairman, effective 20 August 2024.

• Petronas Dagangan Bhd 2QFY24 net profit rose 0.2% YoY RM276.4mn while quarterly revenue rose 10.4% YoY to RM9.8bn driven by a 5% increase in both sales volume and average selling prices.

• AMMB Holdings Bhd 1QFY25 net profit rose 32.2% YoY to RM500.2mn, thanks to sharply lower impairments and higher interest income.

• Johor Plantations Group Bhd net profit nearly quadrupled for the 2QFY24 to RM49.7mn compared with RM12.7mn a year ago, thanks to higher prices and sales volume.

• Kinergy Advancement Bhd net profit grew 66.0% YoY to RM5.6mn in 2QFY24 due to improved margins thanks to new contributions under its sustainable energy solutions segment.

• Star Media Group Bhd reported a steep jump in 2QFY24 net profit to RM7.5mn compared to RM791,000 in the same period last year as profits from its property development segment offset widening losses at its mainstay print business.

• China kept the one-year and five-year loan prime rate at 3.35% and 3.85%, respectively

Source: TA Research - 21 Aug 2024